Colombian Governor's Body Found After Abduction by Leftist Rebels

Colombian President Alvaro Uribe confirmed that the body of Caqueta Governor Luis Francisco Cuellar, 69, was discovered not far from the state capital, Florencia, where he was kidnapped by 8-10 men in military uniforms on Monday night. The kidnapping was the first of a major Colombian politician in years, and Uribe's government has blamed the elite "Teofilo Forero" unit of the leftist Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, or FARC, for the crime. The FARC has a history of attacks during the pre-Christmas season, and analysts believe they are behind Cuellar's kidnapping.

Key Takeaways:

• The body of Caqueta Governor Luis Francisco Cuellar was discovered not far from the state capital, Florencia, where he was kidnapped by 8-10 men in military uniforms on Monday night.
• The kidnapping was the first of a major Colombian politician in years and was carried out by the leftist Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, or FARC.
• The FARC has a history of attacks during the pre-Christmas season, and analysts believe they are behind Cuellar's kidnapping.
• President Alvaro Uribe's government has put a $500,000 reward for information leading to Cuellar's rescue and has deployed 2,000 soldiers and police to search for the kidnappers.
• Cuellar was kidnapped four times previously since 1987, and his wife, Himeldo Galindo, said he was held for two to seven months in those abductions.
• Defense Minister Gabriel Silva blamed the kidnapping on the FARC's elite "Teofilo Forero" unit.

Statistics:

• 2,000 soldiers and police were deployed to search for the kidnappers.
• Cuellar was kidnapped four times previously since 1987.
• Cuellar's body was slayed with his throat slit, according to President Uribe.
• 8-10 men in military uniforms carried out the kidnapping.
• $500,000 reward has been offered for information leading to Cuellar's rescue.

Sources:

• Associated Press
• Bogota news reports
• Defense Minister Gabriel Silva (cited in the article)